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Teachers, more often than not, work not only within the confines of the classroom, but also outside, and, in fact, many times at home. Yes, due to their workload, they often have papers to mark even if they so deserve to rest when home.

And since Songkran, the Thai New Year, is just around the corner, I'm dedicating this post for them (and of course, anyone living in Thailand!), sharing my family's experience especially to those who are thinking of where to go during the Songkran break.

In this post, I share notes on one travel destination that my family and I love to go, again and again, and why we super-love it: Khao Yai!

One of the largest forests in Southeast Asia, Khao Yai (meaning, "big mountain") is a three-hour drive away from Bangkok. Other than the national park itself, it also delights in its local travel destinations which I'll talk about in this post.

Just outside Primo Piazza

PRIMO PIAZZA

If you want to indulge in the tranquility of Khao Yai, Primo Piazza is the place to go. It offers scenic spots that would make you forget you're in Thailand.

One of the best parts of Primo Piazza I love the most.

The barn in the background adds to the meadow theme of the place.

I love the fact that the place is not crowded at all compared to other tourist destinations in Khao Yai.

Evidently, Sophia was having a good time driving her tractor here.

One activity Primo Piazza offers is the chance to feed their animals: llamas, alpacas and sheep. Paulo, Isabelle, and Sophia couldn't be happier!

The place has plenty of beautiful things to adore, just like these flowers.

THE BLOOM

The Bloom is Khao Yai's biggest flower garden.

George and I love the varieties of flowers the garden showcases.

PIAZZA PALIO

Piazza Palio is the place to go if you want to do a bit of shopping. Most of the items, however, are knickknacks, mainly meant as souvenir items. There are some shops though that sell other non-souvenir items.

In one of the corners of Piazza Palio, with the kids...

Shops...

THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Although food items are a bit pricey, a trip to The Chocolate Factory is worth it. The chocolates, many of which use Belgian raw ingredients, are yummy. The variety of chocolates prepared in full view for the public to see is quite entertaining.

BUNNY COFFEE

Each armed with a favorite book, we headed to Bunny Coffee for a slow afternoon respite. While the coffee shop indeed has bunnies, they're actually caged in outdoor pens, perhaps to give them a sense of their natural habitat.

Inside the coffee shop, however, you will find ornaments that are all things bunny.

Credit goes to Ate Isabelle for arranging the objects in this photo.

THE MEW

Khao Yai also boasts of many places to eat. Unlike Hua Hin, however, where you can find a lot of restaurants for a really affordable price, many restaurants in Khao Yai are a bit pricey. The redeeming value, however, is that the food offerings and the taste are worth the moola.

The Mew is one place we've visited a couple of times during our two visits. We just love not only the food but also the ambiance.

A platter of calamares and other tempura-like food items. This is one of our favorite dishes from The Mew.

Homemade pizza!!! Who would not fall in love with this?

Walking out of The Mew, we couldn't help but stop and adore this sight.

If you haven't made any travel plans yet for the Songkran celebration, why not head to Khao Yai? I bet the place will offer you a memorable (and tummy-filled) experience, no matter how short your stay will be.